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Published on: August 1, 2019
[Medical research using Internet questionnaire in Japan]
Hideo Yasunaga1, Hiroo Ide, Tomoaki Imamura
1University of Tokyo Hospital, Department of Planning, Information & Management.
Summary
The internet survey method offers convenience and speed for medical research, though current studies focus on younger demographics. Increased web use, especially by the elderly, could expand its application for diverse health research.
Area of Science:
- Medical research methodology
- Sociomedical studies
- Clinical research
Context:
- Traditional methods like mail and interview surveys are common for questionnaires.
- The utility and validity of internet-based questionnaires in medical studies require evaluation.
- A review of 36 Japanese articles published up to April 2005 using internet questionnaires was conducted.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the utility and validity of internet-based questionnaires in medical research.
- To analyze the trends and characteristics of studies employing internet questionnaires in Japan.
- To identify the advantages and disadvantages of the internet method compared to conventional approaches.
Summary:
- Internet questionnaires are increasingly used but still limited, with a focus on conditions prevalent in younger populations (e.g., allergic diseases).
- Advantages include convenience for researchers and participants, and rapid data collection.
- Disadvantages involve a concentrated user age range and potential sampling errors due to reliance on monitor-registered individuals.
Impact:
- The internet method is poised to become a leading tool for sociomedical and clinical research.
- Expanding internet access to elderly populations can facilitate research into a wider range of illnesses.
- Continued growth of internet usage is expected to mitigate current limitations in user demographics.
